Hi everyone : I was talking to my dad today and he said when I was a kid and had an above ground pool he only used bleach and baking soda and never used borax. Our 15' pool was always sparkling clear. I wonder how he kept the PH in check then? Hmmm. Maybe bleach or baking soda naturally has some PH in it to begin with? I don't know. Just wondering if anyone else only uses bleach and baking soda only. Thanks! Jeannie